Financial Economics BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Students working on a Bloomberg terminal on the Trading Floor

This course aims to provide a specialist focus on financial systems, such as the role of banks and the operation of stock markets, both in the UK and internationally.

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

L111

Start date

September 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
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Course overview

This course covers current real-world issues and aims to help you understand how economics impacts the world of finance, businesses, financial organisations, governments and wider society.

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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

By studying this course, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Develop highly sought-after skills in economic analysis as well as a wide range of transferable skills relevant for a variety of career paths including those in business, finance, and the public sector. 
  • Tailor your studies
    Our wide range of economics and finance courses share a common first year. This gives you the flexibility to decide the direction you want to take your degree after you have received a thorough grounding in economic and financial concepts and principles. This first-year experience will not only give you a clear understanding of the different paths open to you but will provide ample opportunities to discover where your talents and interests lie. 
  • Build industry insight
    Learn from experienced staff and hear from industry professionals who, in the past, have included speakers from HM Treasury, Lloyds Bank, Barclays, and the European Commission (speakers are subject to availability). 
  • Develop practical skills in our Bloomberg Trading Floor4 
    Our Bloomberg Trading Floor is currently one of the largest academic trading floors in Europe, featuring 42 dual screen Bloomberg terminals.  You’ll also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience using a range of economics and business software packages, and the opportunity to gain the Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate, on successful completion of a short course (subject to availability). 
  • Gain hands-on experience of relevant quantitative software and statistical packages
    Apart from GRETL, you will also have access to market leading economic and financial databases such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), World Economic Indicators, the Office for National Statistics (ONS), EuroStat, Refinitiv (Thomson Reuters Eikon and Datastream) and FitchConnect. 
  • Access additional maths and stats support4 
    Our sigma Centre offers maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions and bookable appointments with experienced tutors. 

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

Accreditation for this course is being renewed as we are making some changes to our modules. This exciting new course is subject to approval from Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).1 

What you'll study

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field. 

This course has a common first year 
The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.   

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).    

Common first year courses

  • Banking and Finance BSc (Hons) 
  • Business and Finance BSc (Hons) 
  • Business Economics BSc (Hons)
  • Economics BSc (Hons) 
  • Finance and Investment BSc (Hons) 
  • Global Financial Planning BSc (Hons) 

Modules

  • This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of the basic concepts, principles and analytical methods of microeconomics. It aims to provide the microeconomic theory necessary for intermediate and other specialised economics and finance modules as well as enable the student to understand and apply economic theory to policy issues and the real economy.

    Compulsory

  • This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of the basic concepts, principles and analytical methods of macroeconomics. It aims to provide the macroeconomic theory necessary for intermediate and other specialised economics and finance modules as well as enabling you to understand and apply economic theory to policy issues and the real economy. 

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with the quantitative skills required for the study of economics and finance. 

    Compulsory

  • This module seeks to empower you by teaching the key areas of personal finance, including personal financial planning, budgeting, saving, managing credit, investing, retirement planning, and tax planning. This knowledge will help you manage your finances, and make confident and informed financial decisions, thereby increasing your financial control, satisfaction and well-being. 

    Compulsory

  • This module is designed to develop your understanding of the language, concepts, models and techniques commonly used in financial and management accounting. You will be introduced to the published financial statements that business organisations produce on a regular basis, and the tools that can be used to interpret these and evaluate financial performance.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to enable you to engage critically and creatively with entrepreneurship in the context of responsible management practice. Using a variety of tools, you will be supported to develop a self-awareness of your own entrepreneurial mind-sets, competencies, and skillsets. During the module, you will be able to share your own experiences with those of other practitioners from business, role play different entrepreneurial archetypes and peer review their enterprising traits and entrepreneurial competencies. 

    Compulsory

In year two, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt. We do this by embedding the following four principles into the curriculum and developing your:  

  • Technical skills – digital fluency, backed with the right academic knowledge 
  • Study skills – to be an adaptive, independent and proactive learner 
  • Professional skills – to have the behaviour and abilities to succeed in your career 
  • Global awareness – the beliefs and abilities to be a resilient, confident and motivated global citizen

Modules

  • The module aims to build upon your understanding of microeconomics. It introduces intermediate level microeconomic concepts and provide examples of their real-world applications. In particular, the module will enable you to define and critically apply various analytical methods to complex problem solving in terms of firms, government, and individual decision-making. By considering the relevance and limitations of intermediate microeconomic theory as applied to labour economics, behavioural economics and industrial organisations, it provides the underpinning for subsequent study in economics.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to deepen and widen your understanding of macroeconomics at an intermediate level. It provides you with a thorough grounding in intermediate principles of macroeconomics as well as an appreciation of the potential applications of the analytical techniques, their limitations, and critiques. 

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces you to data analysis using econometrics with a particular emphasis on principles and applications of the Classical Linear Regression Model and violations of its underlying assumptions. The module introduces you to practical, real-world applications of regression analysis methods, and provides the necessary knowledge and skills required for those wishing to take Applied Econometrics in the final year. 

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to enable you to analyse the nature and functions of financial institutions, to equip you with the necessary tools and concepts to be able to explain and interpret the process of financial intermediation, and to understand the system of regulation in financial markets. The module also examines the underlying principles and characteristics of money and banking that are the foundation for understanding their role in the economy. 

    Compulsory

  • The module will provide a comprehensive introduction to the financial services sector, with particular emphasis on the UK financial system. After completing the module, you will have a solid foundational knowledge of the structure and operation of financial institutions and markets in the real world. The module focuses on intermediary institutions and credit markets, and their role in generating economic growth as well as financial crises. Basic economic theories and models developed to understand these phenomena are covered, and the theoretical analysis is complemented with both historical and contemporary perspectives. In addition, you will have an opportunity to learn how to critically discuss the merits and limitations of financial market regulation and its scope to mitigate or prevent economic and social costs of market failure. 

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to identify current or global challenges in the environment and present ideas to address those issues in a proactive manner. You will develop an awareness and a critical understanding of key research methodologies within your chosen area of study and design a proposal for researching the relevant contemporary issues. 

    Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from years one and two. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a supervisor. 

Modules

  • Portfolio management is important for all investors to minimise risk and maximise growth potential. It refers to the art of selecting an appropriate mix of investments (stocks, shares, bonds, cash), balancing risk against performance, matching investments to goals, and allocating assets for institutional and individual customers. This module examines how portfolios are structured, monitored and managed for maximum effectiveness. It   develops your understanding and ability to apply asset allocation, portfolio strategies, international diversification and performance evaluation techniques. 

    Compulsory

  • This module covers the analysis of financial intermediation from an economic perspective. It will broaden, and selectively deepen, your understanding of financial intermediation, building on your existing knowledge of financial institutions and markets. The module will cover a range of topics, with both a theoretical and an empirical emphasis. After completing the module, you will develop a good knowledge of major drivers of value creation through financial intermediation and the implications for competition and risk. 

    Compulsory

  • This module will provide you with the opportunity to apply and develop your research skills and to extend your knowledge, understanding and ability to critically analyse a topic in a specialist area of interest. You will choose a research topic related to your programme of study and apply critical analysis skills acquired through this and other modules to research the topic in depth. 

    Compulsory

  • You can choose two modules from the list of optional modules below: 

    • Behavioural Economics – 20 credits 
      This module introduces you to the field of behavioural economics. It examines the theoretical and empirical evidence and subsequently critically assess the usefulness of this sub discipline in interpreting consumer choice and behaviour. You will learn how to apply behavioural principles and employ experimental tests in analysing both economic and non-economic problems. 
    • Applied Econometrics– 20 credits 
      This module aims to strengthen your understanding of econometric models and techniques relevant to empirical analysis and policy evaluation applied to a wide range of economic and finance problems. The module will look to equip you with the advanced knowledge and skills to design, undertake, and evaluate quantitative empirical work within economics, finance and business.  
    • Labour Economics – 20 credits 
      Labour economics is very broad and covers many of the economic topics that are of concern in modern economies such as labour supply shortage, pay and incentive mechanisms and discrimination in the workplace. This module builds on the principles and techniques of microeconomics and macroeconomics and applies them to the labour market. 
    • Monetary Economics – 20 credits 
      This module provides an overview of the role of money in the economy, including the nature and functions of money, theories of the supply and demand for money, the effects of money on the wider economy (neutrality vs. non-neutrality) and issues related to monetary policy. Teaching on the module uses numerous real-world examples of contemporary monetary policy interventions and their implications in the wider domestic and international economies.   
    • Topics in Development and Environmental Economics – 20 credits 
      This module provides you with an opportunity to critically study a variety of topics drawn from the fields of development and environmental economics and issues that arise at the intersection of the two. On completion of this module you should be able to appreciate relevant theories, evaluate them and be able to apply them to practical economic issues and policies.  
    • Topics in Public Sector and Health Economics – 20 credits 
      This module critically investigates the development of the market-based model of public services provision and the changing role of governments in the public economy, with a particular emphasis upon healthcare. To achieve its aims, the module introduces, applies and evaluates essential welfare economic concepts and principles. Topics include a critical assessment of the optimal scale and scope of public services, the impact of the public management model on performance assessment, the evaluation of healthcare outcome assessment methods, comparative analysis of international healthcare systems, the macroeconomics of health, medical tourism, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.   

    Optional

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

  • This course adopts a range of innovative teaching, learning and assessment methods such as the use of interactive teaching and learning online platforms, online quizzes, in-class feedback sessions, group projects, class experiments and bargaining simulations.  
  • You will gain hands-on experience of relevant quantitative software and statistical packages, such as GRETL, as well as market leading economic and financial databases such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), World Economic Indicators, the Office for National Statistics (ONS), EuroStat, Refinitiv (Thomson Reuters Eikon and Datastream) and FitchConnect.  
  • You will also be taught in one of the largest educational trading floors in Europe, running Bloomberg trading terminals and giving access to a wealth of live and historical trading market data.  
  • Typically, a module involves interactive lecture(s) weekly, delivered synchronously online or on campus, followed by a range of active learning sessions such as seminars and workshops. 
  • In addition, you will meet other students on the course and your tutors weekly during term time to engage in community-building activities, receive support and raise concerns relating to the course. 
  • We aim to give you the opportunity to attend a range of guest lectures from industry experts who come to teach in our immersive authentic learning environments (subject to availability). 

Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2.

If you would like more information, you can request information about teaching hours.

Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Formal examinations
  • Phase tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • Individual Assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.  

International experience opportunities

You will have the opportunity to take part in an overseas study trip, or a full year abroad2. Coventry University aims to give you the global opportunities needed to become a truly global graduate, enhancing your employability on a global scale2.

In the past, our students have had the opportunity to visit universities in China and Malaysia to study alongside students, see how finance is taught internationally, appreciate the issues in different countries and broaden their perspectives.

Closer to home, you may have the opportunity to participate in European field trips2 which, in the past, have included events such as the annual Tax Week initiative or the annual Audit Week, both of which were conducted in collaboration with European universities, and saw students work collaboratively on related projects. 

My research background is in the economics of healthcare and I am passionate about applying research to contemporary global challenges. In my teaching, I embed research findings into economic concepts, which helps to stimulate a continuous learning process beyond the classroom. Learners begin to view their environments with an economic lens and become economic advisors, seeing the real impact of economic decisions in the world around them.

Dr Judith Kabajulizi, Assistant Professor and Lecturer in Economics, 2022
Overview of a desk with two students looking into a screen

I like the fact that we have seminars where we can discuss the topics and hear other students’ ideas. Additionally, I enjoy the fact that we apply economic theory to relevant real-world events that impact our lives. The course, my work experience, my involvement with societies and sports have helped enhance my ability to work in a diverse team, express my ideas and communicate with other people.

Janete Angelina Pomacal, BSc Economics (quoted 2021)
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Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Typical offer for 2023 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
A level BBC
GCSE Minimum 5 GCSE's graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English.
BTEC DMM
IB Diploma 24 points
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an International Foundation Year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Accounting and Finance will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £16,800 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad)

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our facilities and technology aim to replicate what you would expect in real-world industry environments4.

A student using a computer at a desk wearing glasses next to a tutor pointing at the screen

The Trading Floor 

The Trading Floor is an invaluable facility which allows you to get hands-on with industry-standard software. Housing 42 dual-screen Bloomberg terminals, the facility can add a dynamic practical element to your course.

People at the Talent team fair on the balcony and on the ground floor

Talent Team

Our dedicated Talent Team can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate-level jobs and offer skills development workshops. They also organise networking events to introduce you to potential employers and industry contacts.

A female student sat at a desk holding a pen and looking at a laptop.

sigma centre

The sigma Centre is housed in our Lanchester Library, and offers maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions and bookable appointments.

 

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Critically evaluate modern economic theories and the empirical methods used by economists. 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the workings of economic systems, both within the UK and the wider global economy, including the ability to interpret relevant data and evaluate government policies.  
  • Apply the theories and empirical methods of financial economics to real-world situations, by making appropriate use of data, abstraction, and logical reasoning in order to analyse the behaviour of financial markets and institutions.
  • Communicate technical concepts related to financial economics and policy debates to a diverse range of audiences, and develop the ability to influence relevant stakeholders.
  • Examine issues of sustainability and ethics from an economic perspective, and critically appraise the ethical and sustainability implications of economic policy.
  • Integrate issues of national economic policy and analysis into a global context, and hence appreciate the value of international cooperation. 
  • Use a range of entrepreneurial, innovative and transferable skills, such as writing clear and concise reports based on evidence and logic, making effective use of information technology, confident delivery of presentations, creative problem solving, financial skills and self-motivation. 

In addition to the financial sector, economics graduates are employed in a range of sectors and roles. They work in manufacturing, transport, communications, consulting, charitable organisations and public services such as the National Health Service (NHS).

You will have the support of the faculty’s dedicated Talent Team which has an extensive network of employers with a wide range of internship possibilities2. The Talent Team can also support you with workshops and guidance on the various aspects of the employment process such as preparing your CV, interview practice and mock assessment centres. In previous years, our TalentFest event2 has previously hosted a number of speakers from different organisations to give careers advice including KPMG, NatWest, McKinsey & Company, Fidelity International. 

Where our graduates work

Upon successful completion, you should be well placed to pursue a wide variety of potential careers options in investment banking, accountancy, tax consultancy, government economists, auditing, derivatives trading, management, financial consultancy, mergers and acquisitions, and many more. 

Typical roles that graduates from this course may progress to include Consultant, Business Analyst, Junior Trader or Buyer.   

Further study

Alternatively, you may decide to pursue postgraduate study opportunities by studying courses such as Accounting and Financial Management MSc or Finance MSc at Coventry Business School, which could further enhance your employability. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

Please note that further study opportunities are subject to competitive application, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements and additional costs may apply.

How to apply

  • 1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    *In the event that there is any delay in obtaining approval, we will run Financial Economics BSc (Hons) for 2022-23 which has already been accredited by Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Facilities are subject to availability. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2022/23 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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